Spring’s arrived in Toronto, and the cherry blossoms are popping off, painting the city in soft pinks and whites. High Park’s the usual star of the show, but the city’s got other spots where these delicate blooms are stealing the spotlight. If you’re dodging the High Park crowds or just want a quieter stroll, here’s where to find cherry blossoms elsewhere, based on the latest official updates.
Start at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, where the sakura trees outside Robarts Library hit full bloom early this year. On April 15, the university’s grounds crew confirmed the trees, planted decades ago as a gift from Japan, were in peak form. The quad near the library’s brutalist concrete is a surprising oasis—students sprawl on the grass, snapping photos as petals drift like confetti. It’s a quick stop if you’re downtown, but parking’s a hassle, so take the subway to St. George station.
Over at Trinity Bellwoods Park, the cherry trees are also in on the action. The City of Toronto’s parks department noted on April 23 that the park’s small grove, tucked near the Queen Street West entrance, was approaching peak bloom. These trees, younger than High Park’s, still deliver a solid show. Locals jog past, dogs chase frisbees, and the vibe’s less zoo-like than High Park. Bring a coffee from the nearby White Squirrel café and soak it in.
Centennial Park in Etobicoke’s another gem. The city’s conservatory staff reported on April 28 that the cherry blossoms along the park’s east side, near the greenhouse, were fully open. Planted in the 1990s, these trees frame a wide lawn perfect for a picnic. It’s a trek from downtown—best by car via the 427—but the open space means fewer elbow-to-elbow moments. The blooms here tend to last a bit longer, thanks to the park’s microclimate.
Then there’s Edwards Gardens in North York. The Toronto Botanical Garden, which manages the site, announced on April 26 that their sakura trees, scattered along the main path, were hitting their stride. The setting’s lush, with winding trails and a creek that makes the blossoms feel like a secret discovery. It’s a bit posh, with retirees and families out for leisurely walks. The Don Mills subway station’s a short bus ride away.
Finally, don’t sleep on Kariya Park in Mississauga, just outside Toronto’s borders. Mississauga’s parks department confirmed on April 29 that the park’s Japanese-style garden, named for the city’s sister city in Japan, was in full cherry blossom glory. Stone lanterns, a koi pond, and a tight cluster of sakura trees make it feel like a mini-Kyoto. It’s a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, but the serenity’s worth it.
These spots are all peaking now, but the blooms won’t last forever—maybe a week or two, depending on rain and wind. Toronto’s parks department says warm days and cool nights are keeping the petals fresh, but a big storm could shake them loose early. Check the city’s website for bloom updates before you head out. Most sites have free access, though parking at Edwards Gardens and Centennial Park can cost a few bucks. Public transit’s your friend for the downtown spots.